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CSIF Offers $7,500 Reward In Vandalism Cases

Coalition To Support Iowa's Farmers is offering a $7,500 reward for information in northeast Iowa livestock vandalism cases. Incidents occurred at several farms in late 2010 and officials are still seeking information.

Feb 03, 2011

Sheriff's departments in Bremer, Chickasaw and Fayette counties in northeast Iowa say state and local farm organizations have announced a $7,500 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons involved in farm vandalism cases spread over a nine-day period in late November. The sheriffs made the announcement last week. The reward, offered by the Coalition to Support Iowa's Farmers and other farm groups, will assist the sheriff's offices in the ongoing investigation of incidents that occurred at multiple farms in a three county area. In most of the cases, office equipment at these farms was damaged, windows were broken out, liquids were poured onto the floor, drains were plugged and electrical power was cut by a 12-gauge shotgun used to take out electrical transformers.

Sheriffs encourage anyone with information to step forward

The sheriff's departments involved say the reward will assist investigators as they move forward with the case. They are hopeful that someone with knowledge about what happened will step forward and contact one of their offices, and it is their intent to see this investigation through to a timely and successful outcome. They would also like to remind farmers to be vigilant in monitoring their farms as well as their neighbor's farms. If you observe suspicious activity, do not investigate it on your own; call the sheriff's department immediately and report it. Brian Waddingham, executive director of the Coalition to Support Iowa's Farmers, says farmers strongly condemn animal abuse and hopes the reward will help resolve the case. Iowa's livestock farmers go to great lengths to ensure the health, safety and well-being of their livestock, and when senseless acts like this occur it becomes a concern for all of those involved in agriculture.

CSIF has offered $25,000 since the organization began in 2004

The Coalition to Support Iowa's Farmers is a non-profit organization that assists livestock farmers who want help interpreting rules and regulations, guidance on good site locations for barns, counsel on enhancing neighbor relations and tips on how to protect the environment at no cost. Farm families wanting a helping hand can contact the Coalition at 800-932-2436. For more information about the Coalition visit www.supportfarmers.com.

CSIF has offered nearly $25,000 in rewards since its launch in 2004 to help solve livestock vandalism cases throughout the state. Anyone with information in the case is encouraged to contact their county sheriff's office.